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Blatter urges teams to release players for Olympic Games

23/07/2008

Fifa president Sepp Blatter has sent a letter to member associations urging clubs to release players who have been called up to their national squads for the Olympics.

The men's Olympic football tournament is largely contested by younger players and, although the Olympics is not a Fifa sanctioned, event Blatter says it is vital for the development of players on the international stage.

Nations are allowed to include up to three players over the age of 23 but it is not mandatory for their clubs to release them.

However, Blatter feels it is important to remind member associations the importance of allowing their under-23 players leave for the tournament.

He said: "The release of players below the age of 23 has always been mandatory for all clubs. The same principle shall apply for Beijing 2008."

Blatter added that the fact that this tournament is not included in the coordinated international match calendar "does not mean that there is no release obligation for the relevant clubs."

Fifa believe the tournament acts as a compliment to their under-17 and under-20 World Cups.

Nations must earn the right to play in the Olympics and Blatter says it would be unfair of clubs to stop their players from representing their countries.

Blatter said: "It would appear to be against the spirit of the Olympic regulations to hinder players under the age of 23, who are actually the core of the squads participating in the men's Olympic football tournament, to take part in the final phase of the event."

The Olympic tournament has helped the careers of players such as Manchester United striker Carlos Tevez in the past and this year's tournament will feature his current team-mate at Old Trafford Anderson.